Moments that Matter
May 25' Reflections: Soaking in the Moments, The Beginnings of Summer, + My Monthly Roundup
May felt like three months packed into one. The days were full and fleeting between Mother’s Day, family visits, spontaneous pool adventures, and the gentle beginnings of summer rhythms. It was the kind of month that asked me to stretch and settle simultaneously, balancing energy and exhaustion, noise and nostalgia.
Even in the chaos, there were sacred pauses: early mornings by the pond, the kids’ laughter echoing off the water, shared meals around the table. These small, ordinary moments surprised me with their depth. Looking back, I’m holding it all—the highs and hard spots—with deep gratitude. God’s presence has been unmistakable, not in the grand gestures but in the quiet grace threaded through every day.
A Month In Grace 🌿
✨ What surprised me
Mother’s Day weekend and time spent with family in town ended up filling me more than I expected. The pool days with the kids—messy, loud, and joyfully chaotic—became sacred ground. I was surprised by how refreshing it felt to not just mark the memories but truly live them, right in the middle of the mayhem.💛 What challenged me
Being flexible in the face of changing plans—cancelled splash pads, unexpected illness, disrupted rhythms. I’m still learning how to bend without breaking when the day doesn’t go as I hoped.🤍 Something I’m holding close
Those sunrise mornings by the pond with coffee and Psalms. They've become sacred, still moments that help center me before the day begins. I'm holding tight to the peace I find there.🙏 What I’m learning about grace
Grace is not just a cushion for hard days—it’s the invitation to release control and receive joy in the middle of ordinary chaos. I don’t have to perform for peace; it’s already been given.
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Love Notes 💌
Throughout the month, I love to post notes, reflections, or other resources that I find encouraging or helpful. Make sure you download the Substack app so you don’t miss out on new notes, chats, and threads.
On My Nightstand 📚
Monthly Favorites + Books I’m Currently Savoring
Recipe for a Charmed Life1 by Rachel Linden. Rachel Linden’s books always preach to me. This one’s about the recipe for a well-lived life, which consists of holding onto faith, hope, and luck by finding and savoring delight all around you.
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan. This book was one of my highly anticipated releases for this year. On publish day, I went to our local bookstore to purchase a copy, only to be disappointed that they didn’t carry Kennedy’s book. While I placed an order, I ended up canceling it after finding an autographed copy at E. Shavers in Savannah. This is the third book in the series, following talent manager Hendrix Barry and tech mogul Maverick Bell as they fall for each other against all odds. I’m always captivated by Kennedy’s word choice/play/imagery and her ability to weave in poignant, culturally relevant, and heavy topics while still keeping things romantic and light. If you plan to read it, read the author’s note and be aware that mature content is in this one.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. This book had me in a chokehold. Similar to Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren, the book has a dual timeline as it flips between past and present to divulge the details and evolution of Percy and Sam’s relationship after meeting for six summers at Barry’s Bay. The demise of their relationship made Percy believe she would never return, until a tragic phone call led her back to ultimately face Sam and address the biggest omission holding their relationship back. I loved every bit of this swoony second-chance romance, even though the characters drove me insane, I couldn’t stop reading. If you enjoy slow-burns, you will also love this one!
These were just some of my favorites from the month. Check out my Goodreads or Fable for a full list and reviews of what I read.
Links & Little Joys 🩷
The perfect sunscreen face mist to go over your makeup.
Firecracker flavored Bubly for when you want a refreshing, sugar-free drink.
One of my intentions this summer is to spend the summer in the Psalms. I’ll be going through Journeywomen’s reading plan in addition to this study from the Daily Grace Co.
May Snapshots 📸
Mother’s Day with the whole fam // Snaps from my mom and I’s daytrip to Savannah // Beach days // The kids’ first pool visit // mornings reading by the pond // A fun day in the sun
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